Japan's Amami island picked as Natural World Heritage site
UNESCO will recognize Amami Oshima and other islands in Japan's southwest as a World Heritage site for their array of one-of-a-kind animal and plant species, the United Nations agency decided Monday.
The designation also covers Tokunoshima and Iriomote, along with the northern part of Okinawa's main island. Altogether, they represent Japan's 24th World Heritage site and the fifth natural heritage site.
Japan's newest World Heritage site spans nearly 43,000 hectares over the four islands. The area is home to rare species such as the Iriomote leopard cat, Ishikawa's frog and the Amami rabbit. Iriomote and Amami Oshima are especially known for their wide expanses of mangrove forest.
The induction as a World Heritage site likely will spur an uptick in tourists. Poaching also remains a problem. Relevant agencies and local governments, including Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures where the islands are located, will bolster nature preservation efforts.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee chose several new sites in Asia during Monday's virtual meeting. They include South Korea's Getbol Tidal Flats, the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Thailand and the Arslantepe Mound in Turkey.
UNESCO is expected to add 17 Jomon period archaeological sites in northern Japan to the World Cultural Heritage list on Tuesday. They are located in Hokkaido, as well as in the prefectures of Aomori, Iwate and Akita. Among the most famous are the remains of Aomori's Sannai-Maruyama settlement, built about 5,900 years ago.
NHK - Nov 26
China will soon allow visa-free entry for citizens of six countries, in a move widely seen as an attempt to spur the faltering domestic economy.
News On Japan - Nov 25
Inui Street, the famed autumn walk within the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, opened to the public from Saturday.
News On Japan - Nov 25
Tofukuji Temple, home to 2,000 maple trees and renowned as one of Kyoto's premier autumn hotspots, features the Tsutenkyo Bridge, and the breathtaking 'sea of autumn leaves'.
News On Japan - Nov 25
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News On Japan - Nov 23
As Kyoto's autumn foliage reaches its peak, swarms of tourists have converged on the ancient capital, captivated by stunning displays like Wednesday evening's illumination at Kiyomizu Temple.
News On Japan - Nov 22
In the crowded halls of the Nishi-Achiyama Kannon-in Temple in Okayama City, men, completely devoid of clothing, press tightly against each other. This is the famous "Naked Festival."
visaguide.world - Nov 22
In 2024, the Japanese government aims to mandate tuberculosis tests for individuals from six countries seeking to enter Japan for over three months.
NHK - Nov 22
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VIRTUAL JAPAN - Nov 20
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News On Japan - Nov 20
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News On Japan - Nov 19
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News On Japan - Nov 19
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taipeitimes.com - Nov 19
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News On Japan - Nov 18
Fukuoka City, on the northern shore of Japan's Kyushu Island, observed its first snowfall of the season on Saturday, 30 days ahead of average.
ONLY in JAPAN - Nov 18
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that travelers to Japan passed the record for October set in 2019! That’s a huge accomplishment for several reasons which we will discuss today - in Tokyo’s November rain.
Ordinary Adventures - Nov 18
We are exploring the Harajuku, this is one of the most kawaii areas of Tokyo Japan. But before we get to the cute stuff we’ll explore the beautiful and historic Meiji shrine.